Ever wondered how echolocation and ultrasound detection works? Go no further! They rely on piezoelectric materials, which are able to convert an electrical voltage into mechanical deformations and vice-versa. Ferroic materials offer a rich playground to design all kinds of energy conversions, from extracting electrical energy from mechanical vibrations in the environment, to electrical cooling for efficient refrigeration that will lower your electric bill, pressure sensors for oil and gas exploration, or photovoltaic effects to harness the power of the sun. With applications in energy, health, construction, automotive or chemistry, ferroic materials have endless potential to lead new and innovative applications!
Check out some selected works below, led by our talented faculty, staff and students, to see how the Smart Ferroic Materials Center advances our understanding and control of ferroic materials to create a better future! If you are interested to join our efforts, check out the Open Position section below, or contact some of our Faculty.